Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sat Feb 08, 2025 8:29 pm  

I'll start the ball rolling. All the preparations are complete, it's time for a brave new dawn.

I watched Catalans against Halifax and they were thoroughly unimpressive. Very slow and clunky, and Tomkins must be a doubt after picking up a knock. I'm sure they won't be as poor next week but still, they look there for the taking to me.

Assuming no one pulls up after today I would be going with:

Moy
Barron
Hardaker
Rapana
Martin
Cust
Sezer
Ese'Ese
Bourouh
Aydin
Cartwright
Lane
Asiata

Ashworth
Sao
Holmes
Balmforth

I think Briscoe has a part to play as a squad player. He's seen everything in the game. But the two youngsters are just much more athletic these days, so I'm backing them. Much of the rest selects itself. I want Aydin starting for his energy. He does everything wholeheartedly and he will set the tone before the bigger bodies like Ashworth and Sao come on to, hopefully, do a bit of damage.

Obviously I'd love a win, but as long as they compete hard and show some signs of a team on the up I'll be happy. I'm certain it won't be any worse than last year's opener.

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sat Feb 08, 2025 8:47 pm  

Sounds like Tomkins has done his hammy.

Guess Morgue will go to 1 with Keary and Fages at 6 and 7.

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sat Feb 08, 2025 11:55 pm  

I’ve piled onto FC for this one $$$

I like the 10.5 start - feels like free money

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sun Feb 09, 2025 6:34 am  

I’d also go with Rapana in the centres and the two young wingers and Moy at 1 but there’s a few options. Think Cartwright might want to maximise Rapana’s impact on kick returns from fullback. In that case I’d just put Briscoe in the centres with Moy unlucky to miss out. There’s also the option to go with Briscoe on the wing over one of the young lads. That wouldn’t be my choice but can see the logic if it’s going to be an early season arm wrestle Briscoe is a strong runner out of backfield.

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sun Feb 09, 2025 7:39 am  

As you say good to have some options, I'd personally go with first side you suggested, I watched Catalans when I got home yesterday and they looked pretty poor, they should have Keary back, but Sam T will be out. There pack is strong, but they have weaknesses to exploit, particularly at hooker and in the centres, not convinced by Rouge or Morgue at halfback, both look like fullbacks.

Going to be tough, but think we have a chance of shocking them.

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sun Feb 09, 2025 8:11 am  

My head is saying anything other than a strong performance where they have a real dig and go set for set with them will be a be bonus.

My heart is hoping we can get the win there, but I'm only basing that on HDM articles and the preseason hope that I go into every season with. I think they'll have benefited more (fitness wise) from their games against Toulouse and Halifax than we will have with some players only playing 40 minutes so far.

Catalans by 12, but a good opportunity to see what we can do.

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sun Feb 09, 2025 8:43 am  

I’d go with the 17 the OP suggested. Didn’t see the Catalan game yesterday but sounded like they struggled, they have a talented squad of players but seem to be unbalanced. Trying to get their best 17 on the pitch rather picking players in their best positions. Hoping we can sneak a win but a good performance with organised D, structured attack and better discipline is just as important.

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sun Feb 09, 2025 9:48 am  

For me, because of the opportunities they have had to play together in a match environment I feel that it will be rusty and clunky at times, but the experience keeps the gelling process continuing and obviously we'll field our strongest side and get an idea what Cartwright feels it is. I'm just hoping for a strong defence full of heart and passion, us staying in the game and signs the spine is likely to click anything else as posters have already said is a bonus.

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sun Feb 09, 2025 12:24 pm  

By the time FC get in the plane and land they will be looking to win !!!!!
If they’re looking to win then I’m all in

Re: Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Mon Feb 10, 2025 7:54 am  

I think JC will go with the experience of Briscoe on Friday so a straight shootout between Martin and Barron for the other wing spot. Martin for me after his performance on Saturday.
Also don't think Holmes will be risked with his knee so wouldn't be surprised if Fash is used off the bench as interchange second row.